Pashinyan, Putin talk Karabakh in Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the 7th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Wednesday, September 7 to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh, among other things.

Putin said the two maintain constant communication through regular meetings, telephone conversations on current issues.

“Our relations are developing in all directions. We work in our organizations, both in the economic organization and in the CSTO, I mean, ensuring security and stability. In the near future, you are also planning to attend the events planned within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan, where there will be opportunities to meet and negotiate with your partners once again,” he said.

“Russia confidently maintains the first place among Armenia's trade and economic partners. Trade turnover has recently increased by approximately 25-30 percent. We really notice economic stabilization in Armenia. Your government has done a lot in that direction.

“Of course, one of the most sensitive issues is about ensuring security around Nagorno Karabakh. We always talk about it, we are always in touch. And I am happy to talk about all these issues during your visit to Russia, within the framework of the economic forum in Vladivostok.

“We are expanding the range of companies and people who cooperate with each other. In the near future, business operators are also going to meet, and they will also hold a regional forum. Other events are also planned, including in humanitarian, cultural and educational fields.”

Pashinyan noted that the year 2020 is important for the two countries, given anniversaries related to both the CSTO and bilateral relations.

“Russia is the closest partner and strategic ally of the Republic of Armenia. And particularly in these difficult times, constant communication and clarification of positions are very important,” he said.

“You mentioned, I also want to mention the mission of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh. I have to admit, this is not an easy mission. We have talked about it many times. We highly appreciate the activities of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, in the Lachin Corridor, and I think it is very important to highlight that. In general, in the sense of ensuring security in Nagorno-Karabakh, there are nuances that we constantly discuss, and I think that it will be very appropriate to discuss these issues also today.

“The issues related to trade and economic relations between our countries are also of a traditional nature. It is very gratifying that in the post-pandemic period, our trade and economic relations have not only been restored, but there are also some new positive developments, which we talked about during the forum.”